What proportion of the states must ratify an amendment before it is added to the U.S. Constitution?

1/3

1/2

2/3

3/4

The correct answer is based on the requirements outlined in Article V of the U.S. Constitution. To add an amendment to the Constitution, it must be ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures or by conventions in three-fourths of the states. This means that if there are 50 states, 38 of them must approve the amendment for it to become part of the Constitution. This high threshold ensures that amendments have widespread support across the country and prevents the frequent or capricious alteration of the foundational legal document of the nation.

Ratification by three-fourths of the states emphasizes the importance of federalism and the role of states in the governance of the country. Compared to one-third, one-half, or two-thirds, the requirement for three-fourths exemplifies a strong consensus among states is necessary before any significant changes can be made to the Constitution.

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